spirited

adjective

spir·​it·​ed ˈspir-ə-təd 

: full of energy, animation, or courage

a spirited discussion

spiritedly adverb

spiritedness noun

Did you know?

You may see spirited used to describe a conversation, a debate, a horse, or a campaign. And it often shows up in such words as high-spirited ("bold and energetic"), mean-spirited ("spiteful"), and public-spirited ("generous to a community"), all of which reflect the original meaning of spirit, a notion much like "soul" or "personality".

Synonyms

• fiery
• passionate
• spunky
• brisk
• fervent
• high-spirited

Examples of spirited in a Sentence

The team put up a spirited defense.

She's a very spirited young lady.

Recent Examples on the Web

Enjoying Jazz In its 21st year, the spirited Cape Cod Jazz Festival offers visitors (hotel guests and the public) the chance to enjoy live music and try great food and drinks on Tuesday and Wednesday evenings in July and August. —Kim Foley MacKinnon, Forbes.com, 8 July 2025

There was a spirited late rally which came to nothing. —Michael Cox, New York Times, 6 July 2025

As Zora, Johansson is at least high-energy, yet her spirited line deliveries don’t make up for her character’s almost distressing ignorance of the dangers around her. —David Sims, The Atlantic, 4 July 2025

There were 800 people in attendance then, creating a spirited atmosphere. —Staff and Wire Reports, San Diego Union-Tribune, 30 June 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1601, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing spirited

• high-spirited
• low-spirited
• mean-spirited
• poor-spirited
• public-spirited

Rhymes for spirited

• dispirited

Kids Definition

spirited

adjective

spir·​it·​ed ˈspir-ət-əd 

: full of courage or energy

a spirited discussion

spiritedly adverb